Dier is predominantly a defender, and last season showed his versatility by performing both at centre-back and right-back in the absence of the injured Kyle Walker.

Nowadays, he has been pushed up and deployed as a holding midfielder – a role he has executed brilliantly and much better than many would have first anticipated.

Against Villa, his partner Alli ran the show and scored Spurs’ second just before half-time. Yet, the 19-year-old was given plenty of freedom to push forward knowing Dier was there to cover his tracks.

Touches

Accurate Passes

Key Passes

Tackles

Def Duels Won

Aerial Duels Won

Effective Clearances

Ball Recoveries

Mins Played

Eric Dier

68

45

1

5

13

5

3

2

90

As per the table provided by Opta Stats, Dier contributed in a number of key areas and gave his side a platform to push forward and apply plenty of pressure on the Villa backline.

The England U21 international posted five tackles, five aerial duels won, three effective clearances, two ball recoveries and a whopping 13 defensive duels won – more than any other player on the pitch.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.